Chapter 2:New Freind?

A vast open plain surrounded by floating stone pillars etched with glowing runes. At the center rises a circular platform of white stone, cracked with veins of light. Hundreds of students gather, magic flickering in the air.

Aetherion stands beside Elara at the edge of the crowd. His white hair catches the wind. His mismatched eyes scan the area calmly.

Aetherion (thought):
So, this is the exam site… The mana density is high. These runes are old. Ancient, even.

Elara leans forward, eyes sparkling.

Elara:
“Wow… this place is amazing! The mana here feels alive.”

Aetherion smiles faintly.

Aetherion:
“Yeah. It’s… loud.”

Elara tilts her head.

Elara:
“Loud?”

Aetherion (tiny sweat drop):
“Uh—never mind.”

A tall examiner floats above the platform, wearing deep blue robes. Magical circles rotate behind him.

Examiner:
“Welcome, applicants. Today’s entrance exam will test your mana control, output, and compatibility.”

Crystals rise from the platform, hovering in the air.

Examiner:
“Each student will step forward and channel magic into the testing array. Do not exceed your limits.”

Aetherion stiffens slightly.

Aetherion (thought):
That might be a problem…

Elara looks at him, sensing something.

Elara (whisper):
“You okay?”

Aetherion (smiling):
“Yeah. I’ll just… be careful.”

Students go one by one. Fire spells. Wind blades. Earth shaping. The crystals glow different colors.

Crowd murmurs:
“C Rank…”
“That one’s strong!”
“Is that an A?”

Elara steps forward.

Examiner:
“Elara of the Greenwood Enclave. Begin.”

Elara raises her hands. Green mana flows like vines. Illusory leaves swirl. The crystal glows bright emerald.

Examiner (impressed):
“Excellent control. High A Rank potential.”

Elara returns, smiling proudly.

Elara:
“That was fun!”

Aetherion:
“You were amazing.”

The examiner looks at the list.

Examiner:
“Aetherion Valerion. Step forward.”

The crowd reacts.

Whispering students:
“That name—”
“Isn’t that the prince?”
“Look at his eyes!”

Aetherion walks onto the platform. The runes beneath his feet faintly react.

Aetherion (thought):
Okay. Minimal output. Just enough to pass. Just enough…

He places his hand near the crystal.

Examiner:
“Channel mana steadily. No need to rush.”

Aetherion closes his eyes. Mana responds instantly.

SFX: WHUMMMM

The crystal lights up blue… then pink… then white.

Examiner:
“…?”

The runes on the platform glow brighter.

Elara (wide-eyed):
“Uh… Aetherion?”

Aetherion opens his eyes—one blue, one pink—both glowing faintly.

Aetherion (thought):
Too much—pull it back—

The crystal cracks.

SFX: KRRRK

Aetherion freezes.

Aetherion:
“…Oops.”

BOOOOOOM!!!

A massive surge of mana erupts. Light explodes outward. The platform shatters. Floating pillars snap apart. The testing array disintegrates in a harmless but spectacular blast of wind, light, and mana.

Dust clouds everywhere.

SFX: CRASH—RUMBLE—

Protective barriers snap into place around students.

Examiner (shouting):
“BARRIERS! NOW!”

The smoke clears.

A massive crater where the exam site used to be. Runes melted. Crystals vaporized.

Aetherion stands in the center, unharmed, clothes slightly singed.

Everyone stares...?

A student faints...

An examiner dropping his clipboard...

A noble screaming...

Elara staring with sparkling eyes...

Elara:
“…That was AWESOME.”

Aetherion scratches his cheek nervously.

Aetherion:
“So… did I pass?”

The head examiner trembles.

Examiner:
“P-pass…?”

The examiner’s eyes widen.

Examiner:
“What… are you?”

High above, unseen figures observe through magic mirrors.

Silhouetted Voice:
“That boy…”

Another Voice:
“…He broke an ancient S-rank array.”

TO BE CONTINUED — THE ACADEMY SHAKES